Carrying Device

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved systems and methods for the transportation of articles that keep belongings separate, organized and dry. The carrying device includes a bag having an internal compartment, the bag defining an opening for providing access to the internal compartment. The carrying device also includes an integrally formed, attached or removable impermeable device shaped and sized for placement within the internal compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/048,008, filed Apr. 25, 2008 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved devices and methods for the transportation of articles, particularly one or more damp articles, along with other articles.

BACKGROUND

Transportation of school related materials, additional clothing and other belongings is often necessary for children traveling to and from school, daycare, and other activities. It is common for children to use a single carrying bag or a backpack for transporting all their belongings. Such a bag or backpack is transported by either carrying the bag through the use of handles or over the child's back or shoulder through the use of straps. These conventional bags and backpacks customarily have one large compartment to carry all of the child's belongings. However, some backpacks have several compartments and may include inside and outside pockets. Further, while some backpacks may be designed for notebooks, textbooks, lunch or otherwise, they are not designed to carry bulky items such as boots and snow pants due to the shape and size constraints.

These conventional school bags and backpacks have a number of drawbacks. For example, it is inconvenient for the child to access a particular desired object due to all of the articles within the bag or backpack being located within a single compartment. This problem is increased when items, other than study items, are placed within the bag or backpack such as clothing, shoes, school projects, or otherwise. In particular, during winter, wet clothing such as boots, snow pants, gloves and hats potentially cause water damage, soiling or other types of damage to school related items because they are often placed into the backpack with these items. In addition, stowage of wet clothes in bags or backpacks typically do not provide for airflow, thereby preventing or substantially limiting wet items, such as clothes, and boots from drying. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a carrying device, configured for easy packing, stowage and carrying of one or more wet or damp items such as boots and/or other winter related items, while keeping other belongings separate, organized and dry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for the transportation of articles, such as damp or winter related articles, while keeping other belongings separate, organized and dry.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, a carrying device configured for stowage of articles is provided. The carrying device includes a bag having an internal compartment. The bag defines an opening for providing access to the internal compartment. The carrying device also includes an integrally formed, attached or removable impermeable device shaped and sized for placement within the internal compartment. In one example, the impermeable device includes an impermeable device having a bottom portion being fluid impermeable and supported by the bag.

The above-described and other features and advantages will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a carrying device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the carrying device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates another side view of the carrying device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates another side view of the carrying device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a similar view to FIG. 4 but further showing a first opening;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the carrying device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of the carrying device shown in FIG. 1 showing a second opening;

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of the carrying device shown in FIG. 7 in a close position;

FIG. 9 illustrates an impermeable device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the carrying device shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of carrying devices of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates another end view of a carrying device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for the transportation of items (e.g., winter related clothing, gear or otherwise), while keeping other belongings separate, organized and dry. The segregation of items is achieved, at least in part, through the use of an impermeable device configured for placement, integral formation or attachment to an internal compartment of a carrying device and one or more additional features (e.g., pouches, pockets, clips or otherwise) configured for receiving items within the internal compartment but keeping said items separate from items received by the impermeable device. Additional advantageous features include air permeable (e.g., breathable) material for providing airflow into and out of the internal compartment, and optionally a releasable attachment feature for releasable attachment of a removable impermeable device to the internal compartment of the carrying device. This releasable attachment is particularly advantageous for removal and cleaning of the compartment during non-use. Other features will be appreciated as shown and described herein.

In one exemplary embodiment, the impermeable device is filled with one or more articles, particularly wet, damp or soiled articles such as boots, toys or otherwise, and placed within the internal compartment of the bag through a first or second opening. One or more additional items may be placed within a first and/or second receptacle wherein the first and/or second receptacle is configured for maintaining separation of the items placed therein with the items placed within the impermeable device. Thereafter, the first and/or second openings are closed and the bag is carried about through one or more handles, straps or otherwise.

In general, referring to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of a carrying device of the present invention are provided. The exemplary embodiments provide a carrying device 10 for the carrying and stowage of items, such as winter related (e.g., boots 11 or otherwise) and/or damp articles. The carrying device 10 includes a bag 12 having an internal compartment 14 defined by a bottom portion 16 and one or more sidewalls 18 extending from the bottom portion 16. The bag 12 also includes a first opening 20 and optionally a second opening 22 for providing access to the internal compartment 16. The carrying device further includes a first receptacle 24 and an optional second receptacle 26 located within the internal compartment 14 for stowing articles. The carrying device 10 also includes an impermeable device 28 configured for placement within the internal compartment 14 of the bag 12. The impermeable device 28 is releasably attached to the bag through the use of one or more releasable attachment features 32. However, in another exemplary embodiment it is contemplated that alternatively, the impermeable device 28 is integrally formed or attached to the bag 12. In this embodiment, the impermeable device 28 may compromise all or a portion of bottom portion 16 and sidewalls 18 of bag 12. Alternatively, the impermeable device 28 may comprise of a fluid (e.g. water) impermeable layer or coating (such as rubber or otherwise) applied over an internal portion of the bottom portion 16 and/or sidewalls 18 of bag 12.

In greater detail, in one exemplary embodiment, the bag 12 is formed, at least in part, of a first material such as a moisture resistant material 30 and a second material such as an air permeable material 34. The air permeable material 34 allows the articles within the internal compartment 14 to breathe by allowing airflow into and out of the internal compartment 14. This removes dampness from the internal compartment 14 of the bag 12. In one configuration, the air permeable material comprises a mesh material.

In one exemplary embodiment, access to the internal compartment 14 is achieved through the use of a first opening 20. In one configuration, the first opening 20 is configured for receiving impermeable device 28 into the internal compartment 14 of the bag 12. The first opening 20 is accessible by a moveable flap 36. The moveable flap 36 is partially attachable to other portions of the bag 12 through the use of one or more releasable fastening devices. For example, with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, a first and second releasable fastening device is provided wherein the first releasable fastening device comprises a zipper 38, and the second releasable fastening device comprises a hook and latch mechanism 39. Other configurations are contemplated. As shown, the first opening 20 is located on sidewall 18 of the bag 12 and dimensioned and sized to receive impermeable device 28 without spilling the articles within the cavity 40 of the impermeable device 28 and to allow easy packing/unpacking of articles into internal compartment 14 and access for cleaning of impermeable device 28 and/or bag 12.

In one exemplary embodiment, the internal compartment 14 is also accessible through the use of a second opening 22. The second opening 22 is defined by end portions of one or more sidewalls 18 of the bag 12 and is located opposite of bottom portion 16. The second opening 22 is configured for providing access to the internal compartment 14, first receptacle 24, second receptacle 26, and cavity 40 of impermeable device 28. In one exemplary embodiment, the second opening 22 is closeable through the use of one or more drawstrings 42 configured to bring together the end portions of sidewall 18. The drawstrings 42 may be attached to the bag 12, secured through a seam or passage of the bag 12, or through eyelids on the bag 12. Additionally, the second opening 22 may be securely closed by the use of a sliding lock and release mechanism around the one or more drawstrings 42. Optionally, the second opening 22 may be closeable through the use of buttons, snaps, zippers, hook and latch or otherwise.

In one exemplary embodiment, the internal compartment 14 includes a first receptacle 24. The first receptacle 24 is configured to receive and stow articles while keeping said articles separated from articles located within the impermeable device 28 and internal compartment 14. In one configuration, referring to FIGS. 11A-12, the first receptacle 24 includes one or more sidewalls 44 connected together at a first end 46 and open at a second end 48 to form a cavity 50. The open end 48 of the first receptacle 24 is attached to sidewall 18 and proximate to the second opening 22 of the bag 12 to provide convenient access to the first receptacle 24. In one exemplary embodiment, the first receptacle 24 does not extend all the way to the bottom portion 16 of the bag 12. This is particularly advantageous so as to keep items within the first receptacle 24 from contacting wet articles within the impermeable device 28.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first receptacle 24 is formed of an air permeable material to allow airflow through the first receptacle 24. This is particularly advantageous as it allows for drying of articles within the first receptacle 24 such as shoes, hats, gloves, scarves or otherwise. The first receptacle 24 may also be removable from the bag 12 through the use of an attachment feature providing releasable attachment of the first receptacle 24 to the bag 12. In one configuration, the air permeable material forming the first receptacle comprises a mesh material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the internal compartment 14 includes a second receptacle 26. The second receptacle 26 is configured to receive and stow articles while keeping articles separated from the articles located within the impermeable device 28 and internal compartment 14. In one configuration, referring again to FIGS. 11A-12, the second receptacle 26 includes one or more sidewalls 52 connected together at a first end 54 and open at a second end 56 to form a cavity 58. The open end 54 of the second receptacle 26 is attached to sidewall 18 and proximate to the second opening 22 of the bag 12 to provide convenient access to the second receptacle 26. In one exemplary embodiment, the second receptacle 26 extends generally to the bottom portion 16 of the bag 12 or to the impermeable device 28, or may extend just above the impermeable device so boots or other items can fit underneath the second receptacle 26 easily. This is particularly advantageous so as to store large items, such as snow pants or otherwise, within the second receptacle 26, while still allowing easy access to items within the internal compartment 14 without getting other items wet and/or dirty.

In one exemplary embodiment, the second receptacle 26 is formed of a moisture inhibiting material. This is particularly advantageous because it separates wet or damp items within impermeable device 28 from items within the second receptacle 26, first receptacle 24, or otherwise. The second receptacle 26 may also be removable from the bag 12 through the use of an attachment feature providing releasable attachment of the second receptacle 26 to the bag 12.

The carrying device 10 further includes the impermeable device 28 configured for placement within the bag 12, through the first opening 20, second opening 22 or both. The impermeable device 28 is particularly suited for receiving and/or holding wet articles and keeping these wet articles separated from other articles within the bag 12. In one exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, the impermeable device 28 is formed of a material impermeable to liquid and/or moisture (and optionally resistant to soiling) and includes at least a bottom portion 60. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the impermeable device 28 optionally includes a cavity 40 including the bottom portion 60 and one or more sidewalls 62 extending from bottom portion 60. In one exemplary embodiment, the impermeable device 28 is a container device configured for receiving and storing articles (such as, articles that may or may not be exposed to moisture and/or be wet). Accordingly, liquid and/or debris accumulated in the bottom portion 60 of the impermeable device 28 as a result of melting snow or otherwise, remains within the cavity 40 of the impermeable device 28.

In one exemplary embodiment, referring to FIGS. 11A and 12, upon insertion of the impermeable device 28 within the bag 12, the bottom portion 60 of the impermeable device 28 is supported by the bottom portion 16 of the bag 12. In this embodiment, as the impermeable device 28 is insertable, removable and accessible through the first opening 20 and/or second opening 22 of the bag 12, the first opening 20 and second opening 22 may be sized and shaped to receive the impermeable device 28 without spilling articles held within the cavity 40 of the impermeable device 28.

In another exemplary embodiment, referring to FIGS. 11B and 11C, the impermeable device 28 is integrally formed or attached to the bag 12. For example, referring to FIG. 11C, the impermeable device 28 may comprise all or a portion of bottom portion 16 of bag 12 and include sidewalls 62 that are attached to sidewall 18 portions of bag 12 to form the impermeable device 28. This attachment may be achieved through sewing or other technique. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 11B, the impermeable device 28 may comprise a fluid impermeable layer or coating (such as rubber or otherwise) applied over an internal portion of the bottom portion 16 and/or sidewalls 18 of bag 12. In these exemplary embodiments, the integrally formed or attached impermeable device 28 may be accessible through a closeable opening, such as first opening 20 or otherwise, and closeable through any suitable means, such as zipper or otherwise disposed along the height of the carrying device, such as ½, ¾, or otherwise, from the top of the carrying device 10.

Optionally, the impermeable device 28 may include a moisture absorbing material for absorbing moisture, such as melted snow or otherwise. In one configuration, referring to FIG. 9, the moisture absorbing material comprises a pad 64 insertable within the cavity 40 of the impermeable device 28. Such pad 64 may be washable and/or replaceable. The insertable pad 64 or impermeable device 28 may include an attachment feature (e.g., hook and latch, adhesives, fasteners or otherwise) for preventing or limiting movement of the pad 64 within the impermeable device 28. Alternatively, the impermeable device 28 may be formed of, or include, a moisture absorbing material. It should be appreciated that as with the impermeable device 28, the moisture absorbing material may be integrally formed or attached to the bag 12. Other moisture absorbing configurations are contemplated.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, the carrying device 10 includes an attachment feature 32 for releasable attachment of the impermeable device 28 to the bag 12. In one configuration, referring to FIG. 11A, the attachment feature 32 is located on the bottom portion 60 of the impermeable device 28 and the bottom portion 16 of the bag 12 within the internal compartment 14. In another exemplary embodiment, also referring to FIG. 11A, the attachment feature 32 is located on one or more sidewalls 62 of the impermeable device 28 and on one or more sidewalls 18 of the bag 12, within the internal compartment 14. In yet another exemplary embodiment, still referring to FIG. 11A, the attachment feature 32 is located on both the sidewalls 18, 64 and bottom portions 16, 60 of the impermeable device 28 and the bag 12, respectively, within the internal compartment 14. In one specific configuration, the releasable attachment feature 32 comprises a hook and latch releasable attachment feature, such as Velcro™. In another specific configuration, the attachment feature comprises mechanical fasteners such as snaps, buttons, anchors, latches, magnets, combinations thereof or otherwise.

Optionally, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the carrying device 10 further includes one or more handles 68 and/or straps 69 configured for aiding in the transportation of the carrying device 10. In one configuration, handles 68 are attached to one or more sidewalls 18 and proximate to the second opening 22 of the bag 12 to provide convenient means for transporting the carrying device 10. In one configuration, two straps 68 are attached to sidewall 18, where a first end of each strap 69 is attached to sidewall 18 proximate the second opening 22, and the second end of each strap 69 is attached to sidewall 18 proximate the bottom portion 16 of the bag 12. This is particularly advantageous because the carrying device 10 may be transported like a traditional backpack over each shoulder of the user. In yet another configuration, any combination of any of the above features, or other handle and/or strap configurations are contemplated.

Other optional components include storage pockets 70 located on one or more sidewalls 18 of bag 12 that are configured to receive and stow articles outside of the internal compartment 14. In one configuration, the storage pockets 70 are defined by one or more sidewalls 72 attached to sidewall 18 of the bag 12 at three ends and open at a fourth end 74.

In one exemplary embodiment, a pocket formed of a translucent material is configured to carry an identification tag 78. The pocket is defined by a sidewall attachable on three sides to the sidewall 18 of bag 12 with an opening configured to receive the identification tag. This configuration allows the tag 78 to be removable and/or replaceable.

Exemplary embodiments of the carrying device 10 of the present invention may be used in numerous applications which may or may not be school related. For example, the carrying device may be used for snow gear, beach toys, swim gear (e.g., towels, suit, etc.), gym gear, separation of wet/dry goods, separation of clean/dirty items or otherwise. Further, it should be appreciated that the carrying device may come in many shapes and sizes as common in any of the above applications and for any age group.

While exemplary embodiments have been described and shown, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A carrying device for carrying and stowage of articles, comprising: a bag having an internal compartment, the bag defining an opening for providing access to the internal compartment; and an impermeable device shaped and sized for placement within the internal compartment or integrally formed or attached to the bag, the impermeable device having a bottom portion, the bottom portion being fluid impermeable and supported by the bag.
 2. The carrying device in claim 1, wherein the impermeable device includes a cavity defined by the bottom portion and one or more side walls extending from the bottom portion.
 3. The carrying device in claim 1, wherein the bag includes a movable flap configured to cover the opening, the flap being at least partially attachable to the bag through a releasable fastening device.
 4. The carrying device in claim 1, wherein the bag includes an additional opening for providing access to the internal compartment, said additional opening being closeable through one or more drawstrings.
 5. The carrying device in claim 1, further comprising a first receptacle located within the internal compartment, the first receptacle being formed of an air permeable mesh material.
 6. The carrying device in claim 5, further comprising a second receptacle located within the internal compartment, the second receptacle being formed of a moisture inhibiting or impermeable material.
 7. The carrying device in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bag is formed of an air permeable mesh material.
 8. The carrying device in claim 1, wherein the impermeable device includes a moisture absorbent material located within the cavity of the impermeable device.
 9. The carrying device in claim 1, further comprising an attachment feature for permanent or releasable attachment of the impermeable device to the bag.
 10. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein the attachment feature comprises a hook and latch mechanism, mechanical fastener, or a combination thereof.
 11. The carrying device in claim 1, further comprising one or more handles, straps, or combinations thereof for carrying the carrying device.
 12. A carrying device configured for carrying and stowage of winter related articles, comprising: an air permeable bag formed at least in part of a mesh material and having an internal compartment, the bag defining a first opening for providing access to the internal compartment and a movable flap configured to cover at least a portion of the first opening, the flap being at least partially attachable to the bag through a releasable fastening device, the bag also defining a second opening also providing access to the internal compartment, the said second opening being closeable through a closing feature; a first receptacle located within the internal compartment, the first receptacle being formed of an air permeable material; a second receptacle located within the internal compartment, the second receptacle being formed of a moisture inhibiting material; an impermeable device shaped and sized for placement within the internal compartment or integrally formed or attached to the bag, the impermeable device having a cavity defined by a bottom portion and one or more side walls extending from the bottom portion, the impermeable device being supported by the bag; an attachment feature for releasable attachment of the impermeable device to the bag, the attachment feature comprising a hook and latch mechanism, mechanical faster, or a combination thereof; and one or more handles, straps, or combinations thereof for carrying the bag. 